Your cheeks and forehead aren’t the only parts of your face that need hydration. Your lips deserve plenty of TLC too—and there are lots of balms, oils, and masks that claim to make your pout irresistibly soft, moisturized, and plump. That’s why we’ve dedicated an entire category of our 2024 Healthy Beauty Awards to those luscious lips of yours.
In order to find the best formulas for nourishing your lips and sometimes adding a bit of color or shine, our testers played with dozens products that promised smooth, dewy results. After countless rounds of swiping, smacking, and puckering, we’re happy to announce the top nine winners that have earned permanent spots in our purses and on our bedside tables.
Be sure to check out the rest of SELF’s 2024 Healthy Beauty Award winners here.
Best SPF Lip Balm: Aquaphor Lip Protectant + Sunscreen
Why we love it They call ’em classics for a reason. This Aquaphor staple contains petrolatum or petroleum jelly. It is an occlusive, which coats your lips completely to seal in moisture. The SPF 30 protects the extra-sensitive skin. (Because what’s worse than dry lips? Sunburned lips.
Experts give bonus points for: This balm contains castor oil, glycerin and panthenol to hydrate.
One tester said, “I apply my regular Aquaphor lip balm constantly, and this version with SPF is my new go-to. I keep a tube next to my keys—that way, I’ll always remember to put it on before leaving the house. That’s how much I love this product! So moisturizing and a true holy grail.”
Lanolips 12 Hour Overnight Lip Mask: Best Lip Mask
Why we love it If you’re all about aesthetically pleasing beauty products, you’ll love this one from Lanolips (the cheery lavender tube will pop on your vanity!). But this mask’s appeal goes beyond looks: It’s also packed with nourishing hyaluronic acid and ceramides that’ll work overnight to keep your lips juicy and hydrated.
Experts’ bonus points: This product also contains vitamin C, which brightens and protects against environmental damage. It also contains shea butter as well as vitamin E.
One tester said, “I LOVE LOVE LOVE this! I have to wear a face mask in the hospital for long hours. This dries my lips out. After having this on all day, my lips stayed moisturized thanks to its superthick consistency.”
Best Lip Balm: Burt’s Bees Shea + Coconut Oil Moisturizing Lip Balm
Why we love it Our testers said this lip balm glides on smoothly and is so lightweight, it almost feels like you’re not wearing anything at all. But don’t let that fool you: It’s loaded with ultra-hydrating ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter—so rest assured it doesn’t skimp on moisture.
Experts give bonus points for: Lips are protected and hydrated with occlusives such as cocoa butter and coconut oil.